The Christiansen Family series by Susan May Warren concludes with You’re the One That I Want.  Though these books can be read on their own, it gives so much more meaning to the stories when one reads of the other siblings and their struggles.   It is with some regret that the final page turns and now one must hope Ms. Warren can create another great series which will captivate and move.

The entire series really delves into the characters and their personalities, but this book seems to pull it all together with a satisfactory conclusion.  It should be noted that this is a religious fiction piece and as such there are many mentions of God and faith, but it seems to fit without seeming excessively preachy.

Warren does a nice job of helping her characters make changes and improve without making them into perfect models.  The whole concept of the family and the small town vibe feels realistic and comfortable.  This is an enjoyable story of forgiveness, redemption, and love.  Enjoy the conclusion or start at the beginning and enjoy all six books, plus a novella.  Lots of fun reading material here.

Review of an Advance Reader Copy.

This book was sent to Compass Book Ratings for review by Tyndale House Publishing

Content Analysis:

Profanity/Language:  None

Violence/Gore:  Report of a person killed and the killer shot and killed; several reports of characters striking one another with fists and other objects; report of an adult character being abusive toward another adult; report of a character grabbing another. 

Sex/Nudity:  Two reports of a male character without his shirt; report of a one-night stand, referenced several times; report of characters “bedding” others, no details at all; non-married characters kiss and embrace; report of a person intending to rape someone; woman puts her hand inside a man’s shirt on bare skin; non-married couple falls asleep together, but no sexual activity is implied.

Mature Subject Matter:

Death of family member, murder, abuse.

Alcohol / Drug Use:

Person is reported to not only make meth, but use it; adults drink beer; a man was reportedly drunk.